This idea connects loosely to the value of kavod hatzibbur (respect for the community). Our personal choices matter not only because they shape who we become, but because they affect the dignity, strength, and wholeness of the collective. [Betzy Lynch]
There’s an empty chair at the Lawrence Family JCC Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The United States’ surprise capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores early Saturday morning generated both negative and supportive statements from Jewish officeholders around the world. The Maduros were put aboard the amphibius assault ship USS Iwo Jima and then an airplane for a trip to New York where they will face charges of trafficking drugs, especially cocaine and fentanyl, to the United States. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish political briefing: Saturday evening, Jan. 3, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
It is the second day of 2026, and the gym is busier than usual with new faces, new clothes, and shoes, as people dedicate themselves to a healthier lifestyle. [Cailin Acosta]
Keeping healthy in 2026 is a matter of keeping that resolution Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Maimonides describes the three steps that lead to behavioral change. First, recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Second, decide to change the behavior to a proper one. Third, begin practicing the new practice and make it a habit that you continue. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
An excellent New Year’s resolution Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
We would be naive to think this is only a Sydney story. This past Yom Kippur, London experienced its own attack. The numerous attacks around the globe this past year can be listed here, but there’s no need- we are all very aware. Our history has taught us that Antisemitism is not confined to one place. The challenge is not identifying the next location, but deciding how we respond wherever we are. [Ilanit Zakowski]
OpEd: Our survival is built upon our response Read More »
Antisemitism, Ilanit Zakowski, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion
We often look outward when we want to fix the world, but the wisdom of the Mussar movement, founded by Rabbi Israel Salanter, teaches us a different path. He famously reflected that as a young man, he set out to change the world, only to realize his reach was too small. {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Vayechi: Inner influence, humility and Hashem Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
David Bocarsly, executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), hailed a ruling in federal court on Wednesday upholding the constitutionality of AB 715, California’s law attempting to end antisemitism in the public schools. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Smokey Robinson spoke with reverence and gratitude, his words shaped by decades of friendship and shared purpose. Stevie Wonder sang directly to Berry, offering Happy Birthday and You Are the Sunshine of My Life, transforming performance into offering. Otis Williams stood nearby, a living thread connecting generations of sound, discipline, and excellence. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Going Forward With Intention: Berry Gordy, Legacy, and the Jewish Art of Living Well Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors2025’s chapter is ending, and 2026’s new chapter is about to start. Did anyone have a good year, or are we looking for more positive and less dramatic, healthy vibes? [Cailin Acosta]
New Year’s Wish and Events Planned for 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
I had the honor of speaking at San Diego City Council following a proclamation recognizing Chanukah earlier this month. During my remarks, I offered a message that seemed to resonate with the councilmembers: our tradition marks the moments when we Jews refuse to disappear. [Michael Rabkin]
Michael Rabkin: ‘We Jews Refuse to Disappear’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
That two Jewish leaders – Zelenskyy and Netanyahu – had back-to-back meetings with President Trump, selected Cabinet officials and White House aides, and with U.S. peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were remarkable occasions, sure to be mentioned in Jewish history books of the future. [Donald H. Harrison]
Trump Meets with Netanyahu about Gaza, West Bank, Iran and Other Trouble Spots Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
So now, the final Jewish trivia question. And this one focuses on the Jewish life of Mark D. Zimmerman himself. Among the many “Jewish” moments in Mark’s life, at least one Jewish event was a bit off-kilter. Which of the following is a true story from Zimmerman’s Jewish life? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Mark D. Zimmerman Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Trump identified one area still awaiting resolution as whether Russia or Ukraine would keep the land in the Donbas region in Eastern Ukraine that Russia now occupies. Another is the fate of a Ukrainian nuclear power reactor, which Russian troops captured and now occupy. [Donald H. Harrison]